Instant Pot NOVA Plus 60 Manual (+Hip Program Guide) & Error Codes

Capsule Review

This model is a hybrid of the DUO and DUO PLUS. It includes all the buttons and features of the DUO but with the new display of the DUO PLUS. The display clearly indicates if the cooker is reaching or containing pressure, plus there is the ability to turn off all the beeping sounds (just like the DUO PLUS). The NOVA not include the ridiculous “sterilize”, “cake” and “egg” settings of the PLUS (see DUO PLUS description above) yet for some reason, it is still being marketed as a 9-in-1 cooker even though it technically only has seven functions: Saute’; Keep-Warm; Steam; Rice cook; Slow Cook; Yogurt maker; and Pressure Cooker. Instant Pot uses a proprietary fuzzy logic to come up with how many functions their cookers are marketed to have.

User Manual

Hip Notes

This cooker has two pressure settings (high and low). Maximum operating pressure (high pressure) is 11.6 psi or 80kpa – some recipes and ingredients will require time adjustments for non-standard cookers. The minimum liquid requirement is two 180 ml measures ( the plastic cup that comes with the cooker) or 1 1/2 standard (8oz) measuring cups.

Steam is released vertically from the steam handle. Release pressure when the cooker is not underneath upper kitchen cabinets.

Program Guide

Unfortunately, the manual does not include detailed information on how to use the included programs. Here are the tutorials that will guide on how to use each program. BTW, there is no “start” button. Just wait 5 seconds after making your selection, the cooker will beep and start on its own.

Pressure Cook Program

This function should be used when following a recipe that asks for a specific pressure cooking time. After selecting the program, adjust the cooking time according to the recipe by pressing the + and – symbols under the display. To adjust the pressure, press the “pressure level” button to choose “low” or “high” pressure. Make sure to use the minimum required amount of liquid and not to fill the pressure cooker more than the 1/2 full mark if the recipe is primarily rice, grains or beans or more than the 2/3 full mark for any other ingredient. If you’re new to pressure cooking, we highly recommend watching the Pressure Cooking School video series.

These are pre-set pressure cooking times for these kinds of recipes. Simply select the program and either press again, to see alternate recommended cooking times for that food item or adjust the time according to the main ingredient (see our ingredient cooking time chart). Adjust the cooking time according to the recipe by pressing the + and – symbols under the display and the pressure, press the “pressure level” button to choose “low” or “high” pressure.

Steam Program

This program can steam food conventionally or using high or low pressure. This program should be used with at least two cups (8oz) of water and any steamer basket (see our steamer basket recommendations) or directly on the provided rack (if it is one large item). Adjust the cooking time according to the recipe by pressing the + and – symbols under the display and the pressure, press the “pressure level” button to choose “low” or “high” pressure.

Slow Cook Program

This program can be configured t slow cook at low, medium or high-temperature settings. To change the program setting press the “Slow Cook” button again, and look and choose the options shown under the time in the display: less (low), normal (medium) and more (high).

Because this is a thermostat-controlled slow cooker (not voltage as the traditional crock-pots) in order to reach and maintain temperature we recommend bringing the contents to a boil using Saute’ setting (see below) before starting the desired Slow cooking program. This program can be used with or without the pressure lid in place. To preserve the most heat, we recommend using the pressure cooking lid with the valve closed. Be aware that there will be less evaporation as compared to a traditional slow cooker so add as little liquid as possible to your slow cooker recipe.

Saute’

This program is designed to sear, brown, saute’, simmer and reduce. To change the temperature setting of this program press the “Saute'” button again, and look and choose the options shown under the time in the display: less (low), normal (medium) and more (high). When the screen displays “Hot” it means that the cooking surface has been pre-heated. Please note that the lid cannot be closed during the use of this program.

Keep Warm

This program is designed to keep food warm after cooking, or beverages warm during a party or event. When the light of this program is illuminated during the use of any other program, it means that after the selected program is complete the “Keep Warm” will kick-in automatically. It can be disengaged simply by pressing the “Keep Warm” button so that the light of the program is off. This program can also be started individually to, for example, keep food warm during a party.

Remember that while the food is going to be kept warm it will continue cooking on this setting so only use it for hardy recipes.

Rice and Multigrain

Pressure programs designed to cook rice and grains. Because of the decreased evaporation, conventional rice recipes (water to grain ratios) will need to be updated for use in the cooker. We have written a comprehensive guide for pressure cooking rice and grains with the appropriate ratios and cooking times. If the “Rice” setting won’t let you adjust the cooking time, use the “Pressure Cook” setting and adjust the pressure to Instant Pot’s recommended “low” following the same cooking times and ratios recommended in our guide. Remember not to ever fill the inner pot more than the 1/2 full mark with rice/grains and their cooking liquid.

Porridge

This is a pressure program designed to pressure cook oatmeal and other mush. It is not safe to pressure cook oatmeal directly in the pressure cooker because foaming could gum-up the valves and safety systems. However, it can be cooked directly in a bowl – which reduces foaming and makes clean-up a snap. Here are our directions for safely pressure cooking oatmeal.

How To Use The Delay Start Option

Each program will offer the additional option to “delay” cooking and allow you to enter a specific time. To delay any program, select the desired program and then quickly push the “Delay Start” button. Then adjust the desired delay time by pressing the “+” and “-” buttons. Wait five seconds for the pressure cooker to engage and the cooker will display the remaining hours and minutes before the program begins on the display.

Keep in mind that this setting delays the start of cooking. So if, for example, you’re going to be home in four hours and the recipe requires 45 minutes to cook, you’ll want to delay the cooking time for three hours – otherwise, the cooking will start when you get home!

For any program, the cooker will need to pre-heat before the cooking time starts counting down, so add an extra 15 minutes of delay for non-pressure programs to pre-heat and an extra 30 minutes of delay time for pressure programs to pre-heat and begin releasing pressure (the actual pre-heat and release times will vary depending on how full the pressure cooker is).

To ensure the meal is ready on time, over-estimate how long it will take to preheat, cook and release – and ensure that the automatic “Keep Warm” is set to be on so it remains hot until it is time to serve.

Instant Pot NOVA Error Messages & Codes

Error Code

Possible Cause

Recommended Actions

Lid

- lid not in correct position for chosen program
- lid not properly placed

- Close and twist the lid locked lid for pressure cooking programs
- Open the lid completely for Saute' program

noPr

- pressure not reached during the pre-heating phase
- gasket not correctly placed or warn
- gasket has food debris attached that is preventing a seal
- not enough liquid to reach pressure

- place the gasket in the correct position or order a replacement (they generally last 12-18 months)
- clean the gasket and lid thoroughly
- add more liquid to the pressure cooker

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